The Minnesota Vikings have retained special teams coach Mike Priefer amid accusations by former P Chris Kluwe of making homophobic comments during the 2012 season. The team is conducting an independent investigation of Kluwe's allegations. Other coaches returning include wide receivers coach George Stewart, offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, assistant special teams coach Ryan Ficken and offensive quality control coach Klint Kubiak. Assistant quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski will become the tight ends coach. Former Cleveland Browns wide receivers coach Scott Turner, the son of offensive coordinator Norv Turner, will be the quarterbacks coach. Adam Zimmer, head coach Mike Zimmer's son, will coach the linebackers.

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Carolina Panthers have hired Jeff Davidson to be the team's next offensive coordinator, according to the Charlotte News and Observer.. Davidson was the assistant head coach and offensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2006.

Patrick McManamon, of the Akron Beacon Journal, reports the Cleveland Browns interviewed OC Jeff Davidson for the team's offensive coordinator position Saturday, Jan. 6. Davidson took over for Maurice Carthon after Carthon resigned from his post in October.

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns WR Braylon Edwards criticized the play-calling of offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson Wednesday, Nov. 22. "I think the play-calling needs to be more aggressive," Edwards said. "I believe we get down there and then we're just happy to be there. I think that's how it's been all season. I think we've gotten down there and it's just been 'Hey we're here. OK, we know we're going to get three. If we luck up and get six, so be it.' " Since Davidson replaced former offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, the team has only four touchdowns in 13 trips to the red zone - good for 30th in the league in efficiency.

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns have entered the red zone 11 times in three games under new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson compared to 16 times in six games under former offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon. The Browns converted both of their red zone trips into touchdowns Week 10.

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns QB Charlie Frye will be permitted more freedom under the team's new offensive coordinator, Jeff Davidson. Frye will be allowed to call audibles more frequently during games. "What I've told (Frye) is that whether he's in the huddle or taking a snap from center, he's our coach on the field," Davidson said. "Once he enters the huddle, he's the only one that talks and that's the way our offense wants it to be. I think that's important. He's the guy that controls everything on the play, whether it's an exchange with the halfback or throwing the ball downfield."

Patrick McManamon, of the Akron Beacon Journal, reports Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon was fired Monday, Oct. 23. WKYC-TV's Jim Donovan first reported the story and said Carthon was told by head coach Romeo Crennel in a late afternoon meeting Monday he was being relieved of his duties. Offensive line coach Jeff Davidson appears to be inline as the next offensive coordinator, but no official announcement has been made.

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel has not ruled out making changes to his coaching staff during the team's bye week. "We're going to evaluate that and we'll see what happens," Crennel said. Offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon has been widely criticized for his play-calling this season and could receive help from assistant head coaches Jeff Davidson and Terry Robiskie.

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the New York Jets had not contacted the Cleveland Browns for permission to speak to Browns' assistant head coach Jeff Davidson. As previously noted, Davidson was promoted to assistant coach Saturday, Jan. 21. The promotion is viewed as a pre-emptive strike against teams seeking Davidson as an offensive coordinator candidate. Davidson was seen as the Browns' in-house candidate to replace offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon if Carthon were successful in landing a head coaching job. Head coach Romeo Crennel said there would be no structural changes to his staff and both coordinators remain with their current responsibilities.

The Cleveland Browns have announced offensive line coach Jeff Davidson is now the assistant coach/offensive line coach. Davidson served as the team's offensive line coach for the 2005 season. Head coach Romeo Crennel said, "Jeff will add to his current role by assisting me with any overflow duties that might arise."

Ken Berger, of Newsday, reports, as previously noted, New York Jets offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger remains on the team's coaching staff. However, the team made no official announcement on Heimerdinger's status, leading to speculation that the arrangement is only temporary. A person with knowledge of the discussions said Heimerdinger didn't seem thrilled with how his situation has been handled. One theory is that the Jets would bring in Cleveland Browns offensive line coach Jeff Davidson to share the coordinator duties. Davidson would coach the running game and Heimerdinger the passing game.

Jeff Walcoff, of ClevelandBrowns.com, reports several Cleveland Browns' players were motivated by the sight of head coach Romeo Crennel's new Super Bowl XXXVIII championship ring. "I saw the sparkle when we came in the room today," TE Aaron Shea said. "Here's a guy who has been to a lot of Super Bowls and won a lot of Super Bowls. It's a 'shut your mouth' mentality and listen to what he has to say and he can get us to the Promised Land." OG Joe Andruzzi, LB Justin Kurpeikis, offensive line coach Jeff Davidson and defensive quality control coach Cory Undlin also received rings as former members of the New England Patriots.

Andy Hart, of Patriots Football Weekly, reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said the continuity within the team's position coaches should help the offense through the transition phase now that former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is coaching at Notre Dame. "I think the offensive coaching is pretty much what it's been last year in practice," Belichick said. "All of the coaches that were here last year, other than [tight ends coach Pete Mangurian] for Jeff Davidson, are all position coaches. They all coach a position and are accountable for a certain number of players and certain situations. That really hasn't fundamentally changed."

Updating ongoing reports, the Cleveland Browns have hired Jeff Davidson as their new offensive line coach, according to Pat McManamon of ClevelandBrowns.com. Davidson was the assistant offensive line and tight ends coach for the New England Patriots last season.

Updating a previous report, Nick Cafardo, of the Boston Globe, speculates New England Patriots offensive line and assistant head coach Dante Scarnecchia is likely to become the team's new offensive coordinator. As previously reported, Patriots tight ends and assistant offensive line coach Jeff Davidson is also a candidate for the position.

Nick Cafardo, of the Boston Globe, reports if New England Patriots tight ends and assistant offensive line coach Jeff Davidson leaves or is promoted to a new position; the club could hire Mark Bavaro as their new tight ends coach. Bavaro has assisted the coaching staff during training camp in recent seasons.

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports the Cleveland Browns interviewed Jeff Davidson Friday, Feb. 11, about becoming their offensive line coach. Davidson spent last season as the New England Patriots tight ends and assistant offensive line coach and is a candidate to become the Patriots offensive coordinator.

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots assistant offensive line and tight ends coach Jeff Davidson is considered the in-house favorite to become the team's new offensive coordinator.